RAILWAY STAFF

Waikato Times, Volume 195, Issue 22457, 19 September 1944, Page 4

RAILWAY STAFF

MINISTER ANSWERS QUESTIONS “A temporary measure only” was the description given by the Minister of Railways, the Hon. R. Semple, for the appointment of a superannuated locomotive inspector to the position of casual clerk in the chief mechanical engineer’s office. The statement was made in reply to a question asked by Mr F. Findlay (Opposition —Hamilton). The Minister said it was not possible at the time to promote an en-gine-driver to fill the vacancy, owing to retirements and other reasons connected with the war. It was intended, however, to select a suitable enginedriver from among members of this designation who as a result of defective colour vision or eyesight were disqualified from appointment to supervisory positions in the locomotive operating branch, and this man would be appointed to the position of technical assistant in the chief mechanical engineer’s office as soon as circumstances permitted. Uniform Issue A statement on the issue of overalls and caps to members of the locomotive running branch was made by the Minister in reply to another question asked by Mr Findlay. The Minister said the supply of the material for the manufacture of overalls was arranged in time to permit of the garments being issued in March last, but owing to the clothing industry having been engaged on essential war work, it was not practicable to negotiate a contract for supply until the end of May, when an order was placed on the contracting firm for 2468 overalls and a similar number of coats. Up to September 2. 1776 overalls and 890 coats had been received by the department, and there was every reason to anticipate that the order would be completed by the end of this month. The manufacture of 1500 uniform caps was temporarily delayed owing to a shortage of material, and staff, and to urgent war work. Although 270 caps had been received, naval and other work had interfered. However, the contracting firm had agreed to supply 100 caps a week, and every effort was being made to increase the output.